Northern Groups Raise Alarm Over Rising Insecurity, Foreign Influence

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has raised concerns over the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria, warning against attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divisions, as well as the growing involvement of foreign actors in local conflicts.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group condemned recent deadly attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as brutal and inhumane. It cited the killing of at least 14 people in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, and another attack on a wedding gathering in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where 13 people were reportedly killed and several others abducted.

The CNG described the deliberate targeting of civilians as a serious violation of human dignity and called for widespread condemnation of such acts.

The group also expressed concern over reports of retaliatory actions by some youths in Plateau State, warning that reprisals, mob violence, and identity-based profiling could further escalate tensions and deepen divisions within communities.

Charanchi cautioned that such responses would only worsen the situation and play into the hands of those seeking to destabilize the region. He emphasized the need for unity in addressing the broader security challenges that have plagued northern Nigeria in recent years.

He urged religious leaders, community heads, and opinion influencers to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements that could aggravate the crisis.

The coalition further warned about the activities of foreign elements and non-state actors, alleging that they are taking advantage of existing fault lines to promote destabilising agendas.

According to the group, such actors thrive in conditions of chaos and division, making it crucial for authorities and citizens to remain vigilant against efforts to manipulate local conflicts.

The CNG called on both federal and state governments to take decisive action in fulfilling their responsibility to protect lives and property. It stressed that the repeated attacks highlight weaknesses in intelligence gathering, response coordination, and proactive security measures.

The group urged the government to move beyond reactive approaches and adopt long-term strategies that address the root causes of insecurity. It also called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are promptly arrested and prosecuted.

While expressing solidarity with victims and their families, the coalition appealed to citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and united against forces seeking to divide society. It warned that northern Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into a cycle of violence driven by fear, suspicion, and manipulation.